Moscow Guard dog vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison

Moscow Guard dog is originated from Russia but Hellenic Hound is originated from Greece. Moscow Guard dog may grow 13 cm / 6 inches higher than Hellenic Hound. Moscow Guard dog may weigh 48 kg / 106 pounds more than Hellenic Hound. Both Moscow Guard dog and Hellenic Hound has almost same life span. Both Moscow Guard dog and Hellenic Hound has almost same litter size. Moscow Guard dog requires Moderate maintenance. But Hellenic Hound requires Low maintenance

History

Looking much like the Saint Bernard, the Moscow Guard Dog or Moscow Watchdog is large, descending from quite a few giant breeds such as the Saint Bernard, different Russian Hounds and the Caucasian Ovtcharka.

The dog has a gentle temperament. Known also as a gentle giant, the Moscow Guard Dog was developed in the Soviet Union and is fairly common in its native country.

The first US-born litter of Moscow Guard Dogs was born in 2015. The Moscow Watchdog hasn’t yet been recognized by the AKC.

hellenic hound - historyDeveloped in Southern Greece, the Hellenic Hound was bred to hunt hare and is an ancient breed. It is a medium sized breed with strong scent and tracking skills. It is believed to have been in existence for thousands of years. The ancestry of the breed included the Lagonikoi or laconikoi, native to southern Greece in ancient times. The breed was spread by sailors on Greece trading ships and colonization.

Todays Hellenic Hound is found throughout Europe. Kept somewhat isolated by the mountains, the breed was protected from outside breeding and they remained pure for centuries. It is a fearless, smart and hyped up purebred. The Hellenic Hound needs to have a job and if you don’t give him one, he will find one. He is smart and independent which sometimes makes him stubborn. It also takes this dog longer to mature than others, sometime between two and three years. It is not good for first time owners. Today’s hound is still a popular hunting dog and companion animal as well. They are rarely seen outside of the Greek country.

In 1996 the Hellenic Hound was recognized as the first Greek dog breed into the FCI. They are not recognized by the AKC. Its numbers continue to decline.

Description

The Moscow Watchdog is a large mastiff-type dog. He stands at between 64 and 69cm in height ad weighs in the region of 45 – 68kg. He has a thick coat which is medium length, he has floppy ears and a long, plumed tail. The most common colors for the Moscow Watchdog are red and white with a little bit of black and tan around the head.

He is quite a heavy shedder so regular brushing and grooming is recommended.

He takes his role seriously as guardian and protector of his human family.

Large dogs don’t usually live as long as smaller breeds, and with good care your Moscow Watchdog can reach between 9 and 11 years of age. If you want your dog to be a parent, the litter size you can expect is anything from 5 to 10 puppies.

Temperament:

The dogs were used for guarding purposes and they are strong-willed, dominant and independent. They are also gentle dogs but will still require training and socialization to make them obedient and an all-round pleasant dog.

While the Moscow Watchdog is described as a pleasant dog, he isn’t a friendly teddy-bear kind of dog, tending to be fairly aloof. He would do well with an owner who is firm, fair, consistent and strong, as he is strong-willed.

hellenic hound puppy - descriptionToday’s Hellenic Hound is not a big dog but rather very average or medium. It is an athletic dog and looks like it. It has a balanced body with a deep chest and thick neck. It has medium height legs that are strong and muscular with paws that are prepared for the terrain it always works on. Its coat is short and tight. The colors of the Hellenic Hound are black with tan or white on the chest. Their heads are noble and rounded with a rectangle shaped muzzle. They have v shaped, long ears and round eyes. Their toe nails are black and so is their nose. It has excellent scent glands, very quick responses, speed and stamina. Their tail is thick and tapers off.

Characteristics

The Moscow Watchdog is a large dog and beautiful to look at. Even though he is large and strong, he is gentle and calm and makes a splendid pet.

Because of his large size he is better suited to life in the countryside or the suburbs as compared to smaller properties in the city. Their exercise needs will also need to be met such as a walk every day.

Think carefully before you take such a large dog into your home as he will require a lot of good food. Before investing in any dog, make sure that you have the means to provide him with an excellent home where he gets the best care, because he is willing to give you the very best of himself.

Children friendliness

hellenic hound dog - characteristicsyes, they are very fond of children as long as they are carefully socialized.

Special talents

Great hunter, stamina ,scent, voice

Adaptable

He needs to have a yard or land. He doesn’t do well in apartments.

Learning

The breed is very intelligent and can be very trainable. However, they can also be stubborn and that makes training harder.

Health Problems

The Moscow Watchdog is a healthy dog breed, and with few inheritable health problems, you’re not likely to spend much at the vet with him.

Of course, any dog needs a good diet, adequate exercise, vaccinations, and parasite treatments to stay in top condition. Some of the common diseases to look out for -

Hip Dysplasia:

We always have to mention hip dysplasia as it is so common with all dogs. Its an hereditary condition where lack of hip joint stability causes pain inflammation and lameness in the dog. Your dog, even though he is young, can develop hip dysplasia and then it can lead to early arthritis too. Your dog will need to get to the vet.

hellenic hound puppies - health problemsThe Hellenic Hound is a fairly healthy breed having been isolated on the Island of Greece for the most part. They are susceptible to:

Joint dysplasia

Could be hips, elbows or knees. If untreated can lead to lameness or inability to walk.

Arthritis

Causes joint pain and can cause lameness or inability to walk.

Bloat

Can be fatal if not treated immediately. To avoid it don’t feed a large meal before or after exercise.

Hunting injuries

Can be a variety of things that occur during the hunt.

Ear infections

Need to keep the ears clean and dry in order to avoid infections.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

This is a large breed dog so you want to make sure that if you feed him from the many commercially manufactured foods there are, it is the high quality one packed with vitamins and minerals and which cater specifically for large breeds to ensure the right amount of minerals and vitamins for his size.

You don’t want to just go on and on giving him dry kibble every day, so occasionally it will be a good idea to give him some boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables which can be added into his kibble. This is all the variety your dog needs, as dogs like consistency and simplicity because then they don’t suffer with digestive issues.

Never leave him without a constant source of cool, fresh water.

Exercise:

Contrary to what this dog looks like – large and clumsy, he is actually quite agile and will require a good amount of exercise. He may not look particularly active but he will certainly want a daily walk and he will also require running off the leash in the park or some ball and rope games in the garden.

Grooming:

he Moscow Watchdog has a thick, medium length coat. He doesn’t require professional grooming, but a good brush through once a week will help to condition the coat. Also, the breed is a moderate shedder so removing loose hair keeps the coat shiny and healthy.

Feeding the puppy

hellenic hound dogs - caringFeed the puppy 2-3 times a day a total of 2 cups

Feeding the adult

Feed the adult twice a day a total of 2-3 cups

Points for Good Health

The Hellenic Hound has excellent stamina, speed and scenting ability.

Games and Exercises

This is a very active, athletic dog that needs to work and needs exercise. He is powerful, quick and has great endurance. It thrives on hunting but will need other activities on the days it doesn’t hunt. It needs a yard or land to play in. Agility, Field Trials, tracking, hunting and fly ball are all activities the Hellenic Hound will enjoy.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Russia
Greece
Height Male:
64 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
47 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
Height Female:
64 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
45 - 53 cm
17 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
17 - 20 kg
37 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
6 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Moscow Watchdog
Greek Hound or the Hellenikos Ichnilatis The Hellenic Hound, Greek Harehound
Colors Available:
Red and white - bit of black and tan
Black with tan markings
Coat:
Thick coats of medium length
Short, smooth, sleek
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Playful, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Presa Canario vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Pyredoodle vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Sarplaninac vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Mountain View Cur vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Native American Indian Dog vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  7. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  9. Mucuchies vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  10. Shepherd Husky vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  11. Slovak Cuvac vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Southern Hound vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  13. Taigan vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  14. St. John's Water Dog vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  15. Tornjak vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Tibetan Kyi Apso vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  17. Tibetan Mastiff vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  18. Moscow Guard dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  19. Moscow Guard dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  20. Moscow Guard dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  21. Moscow Guard dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  22. Moscow Guard dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  23. Moscow Guard dog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  24. Moscow Guard dog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  25. Moscow Guard dog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  26. Pharaoh Hound vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  27. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  28. Hungarian Vizsla vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  29. Redbone Coonhound vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwegian Elkhound vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  31. Santal Hound vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  32. Podenco Canario vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  33. Podenco Andaluz vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  34. Podenco Galego vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  35. Kanni vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  36. Lithuanian Hound vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  37. Hungarian Hound vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  38. Hygenhund vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  39. Norrbottenspets vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  40. Polish Hound vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  41. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  42. Russian Hound vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  43. Sabueso Espanol vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Schillerstovare vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  45. Schweizer Laufhund vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  46. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  47. Serbian Hound vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  48. Silken Windhound vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  49. Smalandsstovare vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison
  50. Stephens Stock vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds